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Making a Home

Each morning I try to read the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds with the day of the month in addition to my usual scripture reading. Since there were only 30 days in June, I still wanted to finish up the book of Proverbs so I read Proverbs 31 in addition to Proverbs 1. So, this morning I read about the Proverbs 31 woman.

It is interesting to me how this chapter starts. “The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him” (Proverbs 31:1). Right from the beginning we learn that the description of the Proverbs 31 woman is from a woman. It is not some dominating male’s expectations for a wife. Instead, it is another woman’s description of what a virtuous woman’s life should embody.

One of the most poignant things I love about this passage is the value this woman is given in the eyes of her husband, her children and in society. Her husband trusts her. Her children bless her. She is known in the community (she sells things that she makes (v. 24) and helps the needy (v. 20).).

Throughout the passage we see a woman who has purpose and who does an excellent job taking care of all aspects of her home (with a good attitude (v. 26)). She manages her home- her home does not manage or overrun/whelm her.

I am quite sure that the Proverbs 31 woman could have simply bought most of what her family needed. She could have just spent her family’s money, but, what stands out to me, is she has chosen to do many (not all, but many) of things herself. This is fascinating to me. I was reading somewhere a while ago that whenever you are thinking about spending money ask yourself, “Is ____ really worth the hard work and sweat your husband (or you) gave to earn the money that you will be spending if you bought it?”. Oh, how this suggestion convicted me! Going back to the Proverbs 31 woman, I love that she does not squander their money and merely buy whatever makes her life easier. What we see is her investing their money into things that will bring increase to the family. Rather than being a mere consumer, she is a producer (see verses 13, 16, 18, and 24).

Finally, I love the verse, “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness” (Proverbs 31:26). She is not grouchy or resentful about taking care of her household. Indeed, when I read this chapter, I get the sense that it is a joy for her. She is clearly wise and knowledgeable about numerous topics, and she uses that wisdom on a daily basis.

When I was working full-time, one of the most satisfying feelings came when I was using the knowledge that I had gained from going to school. It came when I knew that what I was doing was right and would be effective because it had been proven. Now that I am home, at times I have felt clueless because I am still learning this art of homemaking and motherhood. I am a firm believer that we can learn anything if we put our minds to it, and so my mind has been and is “to it”, and I am learning. Slowly, but surely some things are moving from my “to learn” list to my “proven” list (sourdough breadmaking being one of those). What a joy there has been to see the fruit of my labour thus far. So, dear friends, I encourage all of us to take heart from this passage. Our homes can be managed. It does not have to overwhelm us. We don’t merely live in our home. We make it.

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2 thoughts on “Making a Home”

Love this post, Grace! I grew up with no desire for a career, but a complete desire for homemaking. I am glad I am blessed to be able to live my dream. I know many a career woman who wants to come home but cannot or does not have the support of her husband.

Grace,
Welcome to the journey I began myself over 22 years ago! I, too, was raised with no knowledge of how to care for a home. Education and a high-paying job were stressed as the most important goals a female could attain. It was a Bible study on Proverbs 31 that helped me to realize that God had another plan – one much better than the world could offer. Keep working at it and you WILL attain the goal of becoming that Proverbs 31 woman. Even better, you now have the chance to teach your daughter something that you did not know when you were growing up. That is the best fruit/reward of all.